8 inspiring dream home interior ideas

Published Date: February 21, 2023

Living room of a luxury second home in Lake Tahoe
Whether your second home is just a dream at this point or if you’re starting to make it a reality, there are so many options when it comes to home interiors. Here are eight of the most popular features to help inspire you and your dream second home wish list. 

1. Chef’s kitchen

For those who love to cook and entertain, a large, well-equipped kitchen is an absolute must. Key features of true dream kitchens include professional-grade appliances, ample work space, custom cabinets, a butler’s pantry and plenty of storage. If you consider the kitchen the heart of the home, it’s important to design it in a way that showcases your design aesthetic. Whether your home is modern, traditional, Mid-Century Modern, Victorian or something else, your kitchen is the perfect place to show it off. Focus on design touches like cabinet fronts, countertops and light fixtures. 

2. Open concept floor plan 

Dining room and kitchen with vaulted ceilings and a large stone island
In a primary residence, an open floor plan isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But it can be a nice element in a second home, giving you space to entertain friends and family and enjoy a relaxed time together. And there’s more than one kind of open floor plan, so choose the layout that works best for your lifestyle. For example, if you love to cook but don’t want to miss out on socializing, a great room concept where the kitchen leads directly into the living space might be ideal.

3. Indoor-outdoor living

If your dream second home is in a warm-weather destination, indoor-outdoor living is as good as it gets. Imagine a seamless transition from your home’s main living area to an expansive deck, complete with an outdoor kitchen and a swimming pool. Or enjoy private outdoor spaces with a secluded patio off of the primary bedroom. Upscale design touches include glass accordion doors, outdoor fireplaces and shade structures like pergolas. 

4. Spa-worthy bathroom

Straight on shot of bathroom with two showers
Why go to the spa when the spa can come to you? Treat yourself to some serious pampering with a primary bathroom that takes design cues from the finest spas. Must-haves include rain showers, deep soaking tubs, heated floors and gorgeous views. Then layer on the small details that make all the difference: Think soothing color palettes, houseplants, plush towels and dimmable lighting. 

5. Ample storage 

While you’re unlikely to need quite as much storage in your second home as you do in your primary residence, having enough storage is still key to a peaceful and uncluttered experience. And it’s not just about having enough storage — it’s about having the right kind of storage. Think about how the home will be used. Is it a gathering place for a large group of friends and family? Make sure there’s plenty of pantry space in the kitchen and closet space in each bedroom. Is it a home base for outdoor adventures like skiing or mountain biking? A mudroom with gear storage is a must. 

6. Fitness room

Small indoor gym with weights and an exercise bike
Your vacation is the perfect time to focus on wellness, as you may have a bit more free time than in your everyday life. And if your fitness room — complete with bike, treadmill, weights or a rowing machine — is just steps away, even better. Remember, the location of your home also makes a difference in your exercise routine. Take your workout outdoors with a mountain hike, ocean swim, Wine Country bike ride or ski day. 

7. Wine storage

Say cheers to the good life with a bottle of wine retrieved from your private wine cellar. A dedicated wine room is a true bucket list item for wine lovers, but it’s not the only way to go. Even if you don’t have a dedicated room, you can show off your collection with a glass-enclosed wine wall or built-in wine refrigerator. 

8. Home theater

A custom home cinema with elevated viewing area and theater lighting.
Fancy a family movie night? Or a dedicated space in which to watch the big game? Then you need a home theater in your second home. The best home theaters are built with the latest entertainment technology, accompanied by plush seating and dramatic lighting. Add a wet bar for snacks and beverages, and you just might want to stay forever. 

Find your turnkey luxury second home 

Ready to get everything on your wishlist? Check out Pacaso second homes. Just a ⅛ share makes you a co-owner of your dream vacation property, and every home comes move-in ready: professionally designed, expertly decorated and fully furnished. Best of all, you’ll find these crave-worthy interior features and many more in dream destinations. 

Jen Headshot

Jen Lyons


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